Wednesday I kicked off our effort to tell you stories of us,
the people of Alabama and asked for a two-way conversation where I just don't
talk and write, but you tell me your story
or offer tips on stories we should tell. And you are responding.

Jean Davenport Branum, left, a World War II veteran, with her niece Sharron Rider Branum.

For example, Christy Driver, who has suffered from Lyme disease
for years, reached out through Facebook to start telling her story. The Cullman
resident hasn't let her condition discourage her from helping others with Lyme
disease. Driver works with patients all over the state who are newly diagnosed
or needing to be diagnosed. Her story is unfolding.

For a few weeks we've been introducing you to Alabama
veterans as we approach another Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and as the nation's oldest Veterans Day parade prepares to roll out across Birmingham streets again.

Earl Cunningham, right, is a veteran of Korea and Vietnam. With him is AMG community reporter Martin J. Reed.

Alabama Media Group reporters and employees from across the
state have taken photos with veterans and have given you the chance to read
some of their stories as part of the #ourvets project. Just a small sample of
those vets includes Jean Davenport Branum, 90 of Mobile, who served in the U.S.
Navy Women Reserves working in the hospital corps. Another is Earl Cunningham,
81 of Montevallo, who served in both the Navy and Army and saw duty in Korea
and Vietnam. Another is Paul McLamb of Gadsden who served in the Gulf War with
the Navy and in Iraq with the Alabama National Guard.

Paul McLamb (with his wife Nadine) is a veteran of Iraq where he served with the Alabama National Guard.

As part of our ongoing effort to honor those who served out
nation, I'm going to use Connecting
Alabama to let you read and sometimes listen to the stories of some of the
vets I've had the honor to interview in recent days.

On Friday, I'm going to introduce you to the story of Bucky
Walter of Trussville, who as a 16-year-old in the mid 1940's joined the United
States Merchant Marine to serve his nation in a time of war because he was not
old enough to get into the armed services.

I hope you will take the time Friday afternoon to connect to
Bucky and follow us as we honor those who served our nation.

Share your stories, or introduce us to people we should
connect with. Reach out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #connectAL, email cdean@al.com or send Chuck Dean a note at 2201
Fourth Ave. N, Birmingham AL 35203.